How a man's sorrowful public piano song helped console many in China
In a country where open expressions of sorrow can be interpreted as political, Peng Haitao's piano performance in public strikes a chord with many in China.
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7:57
Singer Ryan Hugh Ross delves into song cycle based on Bill Holm's 'Playing Haydn for the Angel of Death'
Beloved Minnesota author Bill Holm’s iconic poem ‘Playing Haydn for the Angel of Death’ is the text for a new song cycle by Minnesota composer Martha Helen Schmidt. Steve Staruch spoke with baritone Ryan Hugh Ross, who along with pianist Daniel Rieppel is performing it around Minnesota, about the poet’s larger-than-life presence and the new work.
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Labor Day and back to school
On this episode of ‘Saturday Cinema’ for the first weekend of September, host Lynne Warfel surveys music from films about working folks and school days, including selections from the scores of ‘9 to 5,’ ‘Norma Rae’ and ‘Dead Poet's Society.’ Listen now.
1:58:57
Ukrainian Freedom Orchestra is embarking on its second international tour
NPR's Scott Simon talks to conductor Keri-Lynn Wilson of the Ukrainian Freedom Orchestra about its second international tour.
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Friday Favorites visits the State Fair, with Project DJ co-hosts Charity Duran and Jacob Barsness
Steve Staruch hosted a live recording of Friday Favorites at the Minnesota State Fair on Aug. 24 with Project DJ co-hosts Charity Duran and Jacob Barsness. That special edition was aired Sept. 1. Listen now.
4:01:00
Is the recorder the best instrument ever?
Is the recorder the best instrument ever? Find out the many ways the recorder is not only a classical instrument but has planted itself firmly within pop culture.
Listen to a haunting century-old Irish lullaby
The Choral Scholars of University College Dublin performs an Irish lullaby that dates from 1904.
'Look Out Kindergarten, Here I Come!'
Henry can't wait for kindergarten to begin, but he has a slight case of the first-day jitters. What will he do to calm his nerves? Find out in the latest episode of YourClassical Storytime, ‘Look Out Kindergarten, Here I Come!’ by Nancy Carlson, featuring narration by Melanie Renate and music by Franz Hoffmeister.
5:06
Pianist André Watts, a performer we all learned from
Pianist André Watts made his debut at 16 when he was featured in a Young People’s Concert, with Leonard Bernstein conducting. Bernstein was blown away by the performance. Find out more in the latest episode of the 'Rhapsody in Black' podcast.
5:00
Triking with a tuba in tow, from delta to headwaters
Anyone in marching band who carried a tuba around had a more physically demanding job than most. Now, imagine pulling a tuba behind you while traveling the length of the Mississippi River — by tricycle. Jon Hodkin is a tuba player from Scotland and he’s in Minnesota nearing the end of just such a journey. He joined MPR News host Cathy Wurzer to talk about why.
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